It’s no secret that fishing is a hugely popular pastime in Florida. To legally participate in this activity, you need a fishing license. Luckily, getting one is relatively easy.
Keep reading to find out more tips on how to get your license!
Who Needs Florida Fishing License
You need a fishing license in Florida if you are 16 years of age or older. If you are a Florida resident, you also need a license if you are fishing in fresh waters and have been convicted of certain fish conservation violations within the past three years.
Non-residents fishing in freshwater do not need a license if they are under 16 and with an adult accompanying them with a valid license. Also, non-residents who are only saltwater fishing do not need a license.
Fishing License Exceptions
Get some exceptions to the rule that everyone needs a fishing license. For example, you do not need a license if you are:
- A Florida resident who is fishing for saltwater recreational purposes from land or a structure fixed to land and using live or natural bait
- A Florida resident who is 65 years of age or older and has proof of age and residency
- A Florida resident who is fishing in their county of residence on freshwater lakes, rivers, or canals with live or natural bait and using poles or rods that are not equipped with reels
- A Florida resident who is fishing with a cane pole or a hand line in fresh or salt water
- A patient receiving treatment at a state health institution who is participating in the institution’s therapeutic recreation program
- A student enrolled in a course offered for credit by a state university, provided that the student shows the license to the university instructor
Types of Fishing Licenses in Florida
- Annual fishing licenses run from June 1st through May 31st. They can be purchased online, from a tax collector’s office, or a licensed agent.
- 5-day non-resident fishing licenses are also available. These are perfect for visitors who only plan on fishing for a short period. Like annual licenses, they can be purchased online from a tax collector’s office or a licensed agent.
- 1-day non-resident fishing licenses can be purchased from a licensed agent, but not online or from a tax collector’s office.
- 7-day non-resident fishing licenses are only available to people visiting Florida for fishing and can provide proof of out-of-state residency. They can be purchased from a licensed agent but not online or from a tax collector’s office.
How Much Is a Fishing License in Florida?
The cost of a Florida fishing license depends on the license you need and your residency status. Annual licenses for residents cost $17, while annual licenses for non-residents cost $47. 5-day non-resident licenses cost $30, 1-day non-resident licenses cost $8, and 7-day non-resident licenses cost $16.
Residents
Residents above 65 can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $316. Non-residents who are 65 years of age or older can purchase a 7-day non-resident fishing license for $16.
Non-residents.
If you are a non-resident visiting Florida for fishing, you can purchase a 7-day non-resident fishing license for $16.
When Are Florida Fishing Licenses Valid
Annual fishing licenses in Florida are valid for one year, from June 1st through May 31st. 5-day non-resident licenses are valid for 5 consecutive days, and 1-day and 7-day non-resident licenses are valid for the date of purchase only.
How Do You Get a Resident Florida License?
Are you a Florida resident who is 16 years of age or older? You need to have a resident fishing license to fish in Florida waters. Get an annual license online from a tax collector’s office or a licensed agent. You’ve to provide proof of residency when purchasing your license.
How Do You Get a Non-resident License?
As a resident, you must have a non-resident fishing license to fish in Florida waters. You can purchase an annual or 5-day non-resident license online from a tax collector’s office or a licensed agent. 1-day and 7-day non-resident licenses can only be purchased from a licensed agent.
How Do You Get an Out-Of-State Florida Fishing License?
As a non-resident visiting Florida for the first time for fishing, you can purchase a 7-day non-resident fishing license from a licensed agent. You will need to provide proof of out-of-state residency when purchasing your license.
Can You Get a Lifetime Florida Fishing License?
If you’re a resident of Florida, you can get a lifetime fishing license for just $500. A lifetime fishing license entitles you to fish in all public waters in Florida without having to renew your license yearly. It’s a great deal for the avid fisherman and a great way to support conservation efforts in Florida.
If you love to fish, consider getting a lifetime Florida license. It’s a great investment for any fisherman and helps protect one of Florida’s most precious resources.
How Do You Get a Saltwater Florida Fishing License?
To fish in saltwater areas in Florida, you must have a valid saltwater fishing license. Residents have the option to purchase a one-year or five-year license. Non-residents can choose between a seven-day, annual, or five-year license.
The license cost varies depending on the license type and your residency status. For example, a one-year resident saltwater fishing license costs $17.00, while a five-year resident saltwater fishing license costs $79.50.
A seven-day non-resident saltwater fishing license costs $47.00, and an annual non-resident saltwater fishing license costs $347.00. In addition to having a valid saltwater fishing license, you must also comply with all size and bag limits for the species of fish you are targeting.
Where Can You Buy a Florida Fishing License?
If you plan to spend any time fishing in Florida, you will need to purchase a fishing license. You can get the license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or at any other that sells hunting and fishing supplies.
You want to go fishing in Florida? Make sure you have a valid Florida fishing license. The Florida fishing license cost depends on your residency status and the type of license you need.
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